2018 Chevrolet Trax Review: Budget-Friendly Small SUV With Improved Reliability From Earlier Years

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax lasts around 200,000 miles with some engine and transfer case sensor issues reported. At $12,800 to $23,250, it’s much cheaper than many other small SUVs, making it a decent choice for shoppers on a budget.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax a Good Used SUV?

• Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a decent year for the Chevy Trax since it offers decent comfort and improved reliability from earlier years. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, touchscreen stereo system, along with the safety features.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are decent for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on longer drives, cargo space is lower than some competitors.
• Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2018 Trax. Avoid models from 2015–2017 which have a lot of engine failures, while 2018–2022 are more dependable.
• Performance 6/10 – Performance is bad from the standard four-cylinder engine, which is built to be more efficient rather than powerful.
• Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Trax is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, optional upgrades include forward collision and lane departure warning systems.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG, giving 392 miles of range out of the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $23 cheaper than average at $164 per month.
• Value 7/10 – The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is cheaper than many other small SUVs, although high depreciation rates lower its overall value score as it ages.

What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Trax?

• Consumer Reports says the 2018 Chevrolet Trax exists as a placeholder below the Equinox, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
• Edmunds rates the Trax at 3.5/5, enjoying the technology features for the money, but doesn’t like the choppy ride quality.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Trax a 3.7/5, praising the excellent interior room for its size, but owners don’t like the rapid depreciation rate.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax Have?

Common problems with the 2018 Chevy Trax include stalling while driving, a service AWD light turning on, along with a check engine light. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than some other compact SUVs on the market, leading to some higher repair costs as the Trax ages.

Stalling while driving is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Chevy Trax, showing up at around 30,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a sensor error which leads to the vehicle shutting down. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $100, while repairs can cost $30 to $250.

A service AWD light turning on at the dash has also been reported by 2018 Trax owners at roughly 25,000 miles. Often the problem is simply caused by the transfer case control software. There are software updates available which most dealers will install for free, while some charge around $100.

Check engine lights have also been mentioned by 2018 Chevrolet Trax owners within the first 50,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons a check engine light may turn on, but you’ll need to use an OBD-II scan tool to diagnose it. Repairs cost $20 to $500, depending on the source of the problem.

There are two recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, which is better than some other small SUVs from the same year. Both of the recalls cover the lower control arm, which may separate from the vehicle. Chevrolet will replace the control arms on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2018 Chevrolet Trax Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Chevrolet Trax can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $389 per year.

As a used 2018 Chevy Trax reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the crankshaft position sensor for $125, the sunroof motor costing $300, along with the radiator hose which costs $350.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great for a budget-conscious small SUV with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a Bose stereo system.

Standard safety technology is similar to other compact SUVs from 2018, offering a rearview camera.

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Rear parking sensors

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Chevy Trax is a decent value if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, although it’s not a class leader. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $12,800 to $23,250, making it less than a Subaru Crosstrek or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $21,000 to $28,800. Depreciation is worse than some competitors, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Chevy Trax?

There are three main models of the 2018 Chevy Trax offered, from the entry-level LS to the more luxurious Premier. It comes standard with front-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

LS is the entry-level model with:

• 16-inch steel wheels (alloys with all-wheel drive upgrade)
• Power-adjustable manual-folding side mirrors
• Keyless entry
• Rearview camera
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Air-conditioning
• OnStar communications (4G LTE, Wi-Fi hotspot)
• MyLink infotainment system, 7-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Two USB ports
• Six-speaker sound system

LT is a step up, adding:

• Roof rails
• LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights
• Heated mirrors
• Remote vehicle start
• Cruise control
• Storage drawer under passenger seat
• Infotainment with satellite radio
• 110-volt outlet for backseat
• LT Convenience package (premium cloth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition/entry, six-way power driver seat)
• Driver Confidence package (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors)
• Sun and Sound package (Bose stereo, sunroof)
• Redline Edition (black body accents, 18-inch black alloy wheels with red line)

Premier is the flagship model which has:

• Includes all LT packages (except Redline Edition)
• Fog Lights
• 18-inch wheels
• Full simulated leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Active safety features (forward collision alert, lane departure warning)
• Midnight Edition package (black paint, black interior, and exterior trim)

What Engines Come In the Chevy Trax?

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. With this powertrain, the vehicle can achieve a 0-60 mph time of around 9.3 seconds, offering a satisfactory performance for a compact SUV in its class.

What Colors Does the Chevy Trax Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Chevy Trax?

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is generally considered to offer a comfortable ride for a vehicle in the compact SUV category. With seating for up to five passengers, the interior design focuses on providing an enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are supportive and accommodating, particularly on short to medium-length drives. However, some users have noted that the rear seats might feel a bit cramped for taller adults or on longer journeys.

The ride itself is smooth, and the Trax is designed to absorb most road imperfections, providing a gentle experience even on rougher surfaces.  Features like adjustable seating and climate control further contribute to the comfort level. While it might not offer the luxury of some higher-end models, the 2018 Chevy Trax is often praised for its comfort relative to its class and price point.

How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Trax Have?

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is designed with a focus on convenience and adaptability, making it a popular choice among compact SUVs. Regarding storage, the 2018 Trax offers an impressive 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down this expands to 48.4 cubic feet.

This generous amount of space allows for easy transportation of various items, such as groceries, luggage, or even larger items like a bicycle or a small piece of furniture. The available space can comfortably fit suitcases for a weekend getaway or all the necessary equipment for a day at the beach. The 2018 Chevy Trax’s flexible storage solutions make it a practical choice for anyone who needs a compact yet versatile vehicle.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The first generation of the Chevrolet Trax was launched for the 2015 model year.

2015: First model year for the Chevy Trax, designed to be a budget-focused SUV which is smaller than the Equinox.

2016: No changes from when it was launched last year.

2017: Small exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added to all models, Premier replaces the LTZ model.

2018: Updated Chevy MyLink stereo system added as standard across all models.

2019: No major changes from earlier years.

2020: Midnight edition package no longer offered.

2021: More powerful engine offered, Premier model discontinued.

How Does the Chevy Trax Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is an average compact SUV built for budget-focused shoppers with some nice technology features, but overall doesn’t stand out as a class leader.

The Chevy Equinox is another small SUV available from Chevrolet, which is about $3,500 more. Passenger and cargo space are both better in the Chevy Equinox, while the Chevy Trax has some more advanced standard technology. We recommend the Chevy Equinox for most shoppers since it’s a more practical choice.

The Buick Encore is a competitor which can be found for about $4,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Buick Encore, while the Chevy Trax has more responsive steering. We recommend the Chevrolet Trax since the two SUVs are very similar, but the Trax is a better value.

Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Trax?